Biography
The Honeydrippers were an English rock and roll supergroup formed in 1981 in Worcestershire, England, by former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant to pursue his passion for rhythm and blues-infused rock music. Plant assembled an initial lineup featuring local musicians including guitarists Andy Silvester and Robbie Blunt, drummer Kevin O'Neill, harmonica player Ricky Cool, bassists Jim Hickman and Wayne Terry, and saxophonist Keith Evans. The band's name was inspired by American blues singer Roosevelt Sykes, known as 'Honeydripper.' Their musical style blended vintage rock & roll, roots rock, and heavy R&B influences, drawing from early rock pioneers like Little Richard and Elvis Presley, which contrasted with Plant's more experimental post-Zeppelin solo work.[1][3][5]
In 1984, the project evolved into a high-profile supergroup for their sole release, the EP The Honeydrippers: Volume One, released on November 12, 1984. This featured guest appearances from guitar legends Jimmy Page (Plant's Led Zeppelin bandmate), Jeff Beck (former Yardbirds guitarist), Brian Setzer (Stray Cats), and Nile Rodgers, with support from musicians like Paul Shaffer on keyboards and drummers Keith 'Bev' Smith and Dave Weckl. The EP achieved commercial success, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a cover of Phil Phillips' 'Sea of Love' and #25 with 'Rockin' at Midnight' (a rewrite of Roy Brown's tune). They performed on Saturday Night Live on December 15, 1984. Despite plans for a full album, the band disbanded after 1985, though Plant revived the name for a 2006 charity show and briefly considered a reunion with Ahmet Ertegun in 2007.[1][3][4][5]
The Honeydrippers' brief legacy lies in their celebration of retro rock & roll and R&B, showcasing Plant's rootsy side amid his solo career. Active primarily 1981-1985 (with later one-offs until 2006), they remain a footnote in rock history for uniting iconic guitarists on covers that highlighted Plant's vocal prowess and love for 1950s-style music.[1][5]
Fun Facts
- The band performed 'Santa Claus Is Back In Town' on Saturday Night Live alongside 'Rockin' at Midnight' on December 15, 1984.
- Robert Plant resurrected the Honeydrippers name for a 2006 charity concert at Kidderminster Town Hall to aid neighbor Jackie Jennings' brain tumor treatment.
- Plans for a full Honeydrippers album were discussed with Ahmet Ertegun after Plant's 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival appearance but abandoned after Ertegun's death.
- Early lineup included obscure local players like harmonica virtuoso Ricky Cool and saxophonist Keith Evans before the 1984 supergroup incarnation.
Members
- Roy C. Hammond
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Roosevelt Sykes - Namesake and stylistic inspiration for the band's name and blues/R&B foundation (General influence on band's rock & roll/R&B style) [1930s-1950s (Sykes' era)]
Key Collaborators
- Jimmy Page - Led Zeppelin bandmate and guest guitarist (The Honeydrippers: Volume One EP) [1984]
- Jeff Beck - Guest guitarist (former Yardbirds) (The Honeydrippers: Volume One EP) [1984]
- Brian Setzer - Guest guitarist (Stray Cats) (The Honeydrippers: Volume One EP and Saturday Night Live performance) [1984]
- Nile Rodgers - Guest guitarist and producer (The Honeydrippers: Volume One EP) [1984]
- Paul Shaffer - Keyboards on recordings and Saturday Night Live (The Honeydrippers: Volume One EP) [1984]
- Robbie Blunt - Original band guitarist (Early lineup (1981)) [1981]
Connection Network
External Links
Tags: #classic-pop-and-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
The Honey Drippers has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 25, 2026 | 20:46 | Impeach The Presidentfrom Impeach The President | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |